過渡

• Reading: かと
• Romaji: kato
• Kanji breakdown: 過 (ka/sugi) — to pass, excess; 渡 (to/wata) — to cross, to ferry
• Pronunciation: /ka.to/

Meaning

Transition; a transitional period; an intermediate state between two distinct conditions or eras.

A formal noun almost always used as a modifier in 過渡期 (transitional period) or 過渡的 (transitional, intermediate). It describes a stage of flux — often invoked in historical, social, or technological contexts where systems are actively changing from one established state to another. Rarely appears in isolation.

Examples

1. 現在の社会は旧来の価値観から新しい価値観への過渡期にある。 Our current society is in a transitional period from old values to new ones.
2. この技術はまだ過渡的な段階で、完成には時間がかかる。 This technology is still in a transitional stage, and it will take time to reach completion.
3. 産業革命は農業社会から工業社会への大きな過渡を象徴している。 The Industrial Revolution symbolized the great transition from an agricultural society to an industrial one.

Usage Guide

Context: historical writing, social commentary, academic, technology

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Classical Chinese. 過 means 'to pass through' or 'transition'; 渡 means 'to cross over'. Together they evoke the crossing from one state to another, as one crosses a body of water.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated